Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

Tag: Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Gorge Bridge Road And Clearing Storm

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge road, US Highway 64 heads east through Taos, NM from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. At this point, in the above image, US 64 crosses 600 feet above the Rio Grande Gorge over the “high bridge” as it is known locally. This week’s storm clears for a few hours before the next front moves in, and spring turns to winter for the third time in as many days. A double photo op ensued. The fog lifted, followed again, by sinking heavily into the canyon like ethereal waterfalls and just in case we didn’t get the image the first time, the fog rose once more and dissipated. Here’s the image from the road bed. Next stop N.C.  Thanks for looking. G

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Here’s some further reading:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_64

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Today we made a drive in to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. On the west side of the Rio Grande Gorge the road meanders leisurely north to the Colorado border. Pronghorn, Elk and many birds accompany us along the way. Seasonal lakes, ancient causeways and abandoned dwellings are reasons to get out of the car and contemplate those who have passed this way. If you have a penchant for unobstructed views, no crowds, peace and quiet, solitude … shall I go on? Join me on a photo tour if this pristine environment is for you.

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Black Mesa Sunset Across The Plateau

Black Mesa Sunset, across the plateau to a scene that occurs frequently when a storm recedes and the sky gets very dark and the light grows under it.

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Pilar, New Mexico

Homestead in Pilar NM. This is a fairly recent image although it looks like time stood still at the end of the last century and we happened upon it via a time travel machine. Very much of New Mexico looks a lot like this. Pilar is a vibrant hamlet on the banks of the Rio Grande twenty minutes south of Taos. There are resident artists, bald and golden eagles, beaver, otter and river rafting outfits. Come and visit sometime. Thanks for looking. Oh! … the cross shaped structure is one end of a washing line.

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Canyon Walls

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There are a number of vista points on the Rio Grande Gorge rim from which to view the river and to watch the shadows, cast from the opposite rim, silently descend or ascend the respective canyon wall. The river reflects the colors of the sky.

Lava Rock, In The Taos Volcanic Field

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Crossing arroyos at this time of year in the Taos Volcanic Field, one encounters slick rock formations where flash flood water collects in fissures and ice forms. The erosion cycle continues, expanding and contracting. Many forms of geology catch my attention in this place. I slow my pace, and line up some compositions. Secretly I enjoy a moment to breathe and fill my lungs, under the guise of image making. Sometimes that is what it takes.

Fog Lifting From The Rio Grande Gorge

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Fog lifting from the Rio Grande Gorge. The Rio Grande Rift, is an extraordinary feature of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, in northern New Mexico.